Unveiling the Geometric Elegance: A Comparative Analysis of Historical Garden Structures and Spatial Relations

Historical gardens epitomize socio-cultural values intricately embedded within their geometric designs and spatial configurations, offering a window into collective and civic life through the lens of landscape architecture. This study explores the interplay between the geometric structures of historical gardens from the late 16th and early 17th centuries and their spatial dynamics, aiming to bridge historical design principles with contemporary landscape practices.

Employing advanced software tools and inferential statistical methods, the research examines ten renowned historical gardens spanning Persian, Mughal, East Asian, European formal, and English landscape traditions. The analysis is based on satellite maps, field observations, and simulations conducted using Depthmap software. It identifies a universal set of geometric features, quantified through metrics such as Connectivity (C), Visual Integration (VI), Visual Entropy (VE), and Gate Counts (GC), alongside their contextual cultural interpretations. Persian and Mughal gardens, with high Visual Integration, symbolize unity and spirituality, while the fragmented layouts of East Asian gardens reflect meditative exploration. In contrast, European formal gardens emphasize dominance through high Connectivity and Line Length, whereas English landscape gardens promote emotional resonance and choice-driven exploration.

Quantitative correlations highlight the interconnectedness of design elements, such as the positive relationships between Connectivity, Visual Integration, and Gate Counts, and the inverse relationship between Visual Entropy and Connectivity. These findings are contextualized within cultural frameworks, revealing how spatial characteristics align with philosophical traditions and shape user experiences. By integrating quantitative metrics with qualitative cultural narratives, this study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding historical garden design. The insights offer significant implications for modern landscape architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation, advocating for the integration of historical geometric principles to create green spaces that resonate with both environmental and cultural values.